Dealer Development Manager

Overview

Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Gauteng, South Africa at MG Motor South Africa

Title: Dealer Development Manager

Company: MG Motor South Africa

Location: Gauteng, South Africa

About the Role

The core purpose of this role is to drive the strategic expansion, development, and optimization of the MG dealer network in South Africa. The incumbent is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new dealers while enhancing the performance and compliance to network standards of the existing dealer network. This role ensures that the network supports the company’s growth objectives, maintains brand standards, and delivers an exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Dealer Network Development
• Develop and execute strategies for expanding and improving the dealer network, including identifying new market opportunities and optimizing existing dealer locations, aligned with MG business growth objectives. (Planning and Execution).
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential dealer locations and assess market viability (Analysis).
• Identify, evaluate, and appoint new dealers in key markets to enhance brand coverage and market penetration. Ensure new dealers have sufficient capital, capacity (facility and human), customer satisfaction orientation, and alignment with company objectives.
• Manage the process of appointing new dealers, ensuring compliance with company standards and policies. This would include the proposal of new candidates, gaining approval of the proposal, issuance of LOIs/ dealer agreements, and development of project implementation timelines. (New dealers).
• Continuously evaluate and improve the dealer network, including dealer relocations, facility refurbishments, and compliance with CI guidelines (Network optimization).
• Dealer Relationship and Performance Management
• Act as point of contact for dealers regarding network and facilities – building and maintaining strong relationships to foster collaboration and trust. (Communication)
• Conduct regular dealer visits to assess compliance with brand standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Track and analyze dealer adherence to standards, identifying areas for improvement and providing support and guidance (Performance Monitoring).
• Manage performance improvement process, (in conjunction with sales function) at underperforming dealers and identify opportunities for improvement or replacement.
• Support dealers in optimizing showroom layouts, aftersales workflows and customer engagement strategies.
• Address dealer concerns, resolve conflicts, and ensure alignment with MG’s business goals – individual dealers or network wide concerns (Conflict resolution).
• Operational and Compliance Management
• Ensure all dealers comply with MG’s brand standards, operational guidelines, and facility requirements.
• Work closely with dealers to ensure adherence to corporate identity (CI), service quality, and customer experience expectations.
• Oversee dealer audits and enforce corrective actions where necessary to maintain brand integrity.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure contractual compliance and risk mitigation.
• Support the negotiation and execution of dealer agreements and LOIs, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Manage the renewal and termination of dealer agreements, ensuring a smooth transition process.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with dealer principals, investors, and key stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of contact between MG South Africa and the dealer network in respect of facilities and CI – facilitating clear communication and collaboration.
• Engage with internal departments, including sales, marketing, aftersales, and finance, to align dealer network strategies with overall business objectives.
• Provide regular reports and insights to senior management on dealer network performance and market trends.

Qualifications

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Marketing Management, Public Relations Management, Business Administration Management.
• Advantageous: Post Graduate qualification in Project Management.

Required Skills

• Essential:
• 7+ years of working experience in the retail automotive industry, ideally in network, sales, marketing or related fields.
• Project management and implementation experience.
• Business development or financial experience.
• Proven track record in dealership operations, network expansion, and relationship management.
• Experience in market analysis, contract negotiations, and compliance management.
• Strong experience in managing dealer performance metrics and operational efficiency.

Preferred Skills

• Essential:
• In-depth understanding of automotive dealership operations and industry best practices.
• Strong knowledge of market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and network planning.
• Familiarity with corporate identity (CI) standards and dealership compliance requirements.
• Understanding of sales and aftersales service strategies for dealer network optimization.
• Understanding of developing trends in consumer vehicle buying patterns and behaviors.
• Basic knowledge of building construction and refurbishments processes and timelines.
• Basic knowledge of finance and logistics.
• Understanding and knowledge of the Healthy and Safety Act.
• Basic knowledge of commercial and contract law.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MG is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.